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FORT BRAGG, N.C. — In his immaculate blue dress uniform, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sinclair stood
before a judge yesterday and pleaded guilty to three charges that could send him to prison for up
to 15 years.

It was a remarkable admission sure to end the military career of a man once regarded as a rising
star among the Army’s small cadre of trusted battle commanders.

Sinclair, 51, still faces five other charges stemming from the claims of a female captain nearly
20 years his junior who says the general twice forced her to perform oral sex. But by pleading
guilty to the lesser charges, Sinclair’s lawyers think they will strengthen his case at trial by
potentially limiting some of the salacious evidence prosecutors can present.

The former deputy commander of the 82nd Airborne could be sentenced to life in prison if
convicted of the sexual assaults. Opening statements are expected today.

Asked by judge Col. James Pohl whether he clearly understood the consequences of his admissions,
the decorated veteran of five combat deployments answered in a clear voice, with no emotion: “Yes
sir.”

Pohl accepted Sinclair’s plea after nearly three hours of detailed and often intimate questions
about the married general’s flirtations and dalliances with four women — three military officers
and one civilian.

The case against Sinclair, thought to be the most senior member of the U.S. military ever to
face trial on sexual-assault charges, comes as the Pentagon grapples with revelations of rampant
rape and sexual misconduct within the ranks. The U.S. Senate yesterday blocked a bill that would
have stripped senior military commanders of their authority to prosecute rapes and other serious
offenses in the ranks. The Pentagon steadfastly opposed the bill.

The general pleaded guilty to having improper relationships with two female Army officers and to
committing adultery with a third, the captain who was his longtime mistress. Adultery is a crime in
the military.

Sinclair’s wife of nearly 30 years has remained with him through his legal troubles and served
as a staunch public defender, though she was not in the courtroom yesterday. The couple has two
children.

The general also admitted to violating orders by possessing pornography and to conduct
unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman. After he knew he was under investigation, Sinclair also
admitted deleting nude photos from a personal email account sent by a civilian woman with whom he
was childhood friends.

Sinclair’s attorney, Richard Scheff, said before the plea that his client was taking
responsibility for his actions, but also strengthening his legal position. By admitting guilt on
the three charges for which there is the strongest evidence, Sinclair hoped to narrow the focus of
the trial to charges that rely heavily on the testimony and credibility of his former mistress.